When you lose your key or it gets stolen, you have to decide if you want to rekey the lock or replace the lock. This is a bit of a big decision as they are similar options, but they could have a difference in the security of your home or building. Let's look at when you should rekey a lock and when you should replace a lock.

Rekey Your Lock if...

When you lose control over who has access to your business or home, you want to rekey your locks. This could be due to a staffing change or a renter moving out and another one moving in. If it's your personal home, it could be due to losing a key to your house.

As a business owner, you don't want an employee with a grudge getting into your business. If they have a key, they could vandalize your business, steal from you, or cause other damage to the business.

Another important time to consider rekeying your locks is when you lose a key. You never know who could have it and the last thing you need is the key ending up in the wrong hands. Whether you're a business owner or a homeowner, a lost key means it's time to rekey your locks.

The last circumstance when it makes sense to rekey your locks is when you have locks allowing you to easily rekey them by inserting a step change key. If you have these types of locks, it's usually much easier and quicker to rekey the locks than to replace them.

Change Your Locks if...

While most of the time rekeying is the better and less expensive option there are times when it's a good idea to change your locks. Whether you're running a business or you own a home, you may want to consider lock replacement in the following circumstances.

If the locks are worn out or outdated, it may be time to change them. Maybe you were considering rekeying due to a lost key, but the locks haven't been replaced in years. It may be better just to replace the locks in this circumstance as you may be able to upgrade for better security features with new locks.

The other circumstance that garners lock replacement instead of rekeying is upgrading your security system. If you plan to upgrade your security system, you don't want to be using old locks that don't provide the very best security features. It's better to upgrade to locks you can easily manage as a business or the most secure on the market if you own a home.

As a business owner, you can choose to replace your locks with a better system allowing you to manage all locks and keys. This can make it easier to deal with a lost or stolen key and help to protect your business.

The decision to rekey or replace isn't an easy one when it comes to your business or home locks. If you're not sure, a professional locksmith can inspect your locks and make a recommendation for your business or your home.

Choosing the right safe for your office isn't always easy. A commercial safe needs to offer plenty of features to ensure you can keep your valuables protected. In addition, it has to offer you peace of mind when it comes to the security of running your business.

Not all commercial safes are the same. Many commercial safes offer similar features, but some will give you an extra level of security when added to your office. Here are some of the things to consider when choosing a commercial safe for your office.

Full Protection

Choosing the safe that will give you full protection should be first on the list. Consider what you will be keeping in the safe and choose a safe with the best features to protect your items.

You may need a torch resistant or tool resistant safe to ensure your belonging are protected from intruders.

In addition, you may need a specific type of safe for specific reasons. For example, a retail store may need a drop safe or a deposit safe to ensure employees can make drops without opening the safe. Others may prefer an office safe with a high fire rating.

Location

The location of your office safe should be a factor, as well. Will you be keeping it under a desk, in a wall, in the floor, or in another location? This can impact the type of safe you choose.

Some safes are specifically designed to be kept in the floor, while others fit better under a desk or in the wall. It depends on what you need and the space you have for the safe.

Size

Depending on what you may be keeping in the safe, you may need a larger or smaller safe. Size does matter as choosing the right size can be difficult. For most businesses, you want a safe large enough that someone cannot easily pick it up and walk off with it. However, if you get something too large, it could become a nuisance.

Choosing the right size may depend on where you plan to keep the safe, as well. Consider the location of the safe, along with the things you plan to keep in it before you make a decision on the size.

Security Level

Of course, you want the best protection possible, but you may not need a high security safe if your budget won't allow for one. However, if you need a high security safe, you will likely spend more, but you will have a safe with a high fire rating, drill prevention, and many other great security features.

Choosing the right commercial safe for your office can be difficult. The size, location, security level, and protection you need will make a pretty big difference when looking at the options.

Take your time and compare a few safes before choosing. It may be a good idea to consult an expert to help you with the decision. An expert may also be able to install your new safe properly.

Whether choosing an intercom system for your commercial building or for your home, there are several things to consider. An intercom system can be used to enhance security and they come in several different types including wired and wireless intercom systems. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right intercom system for your security needs.

Wired or Wireless?

The first decision most homeowners or building owners will make is a wired or wireless intercom system. In some cases, you may not be able to use a wireless system. Wireless intercom systems don't work well for lower levels or basements in some buildings.

In the circumstances where a wireless system won't work, a wired intercom system is a great choice. This type of system will give you the opportunity to upgrade your security.

A wireless intercom system also gives you the ability to upgrade your security. It basically works as a two-way communications system with the ability to do more, if you prefer. A basic system can be upgraded to a DECT system, which will work a bit like a landline telephone. You can also add video to your intercom system.

Why Wireless May not be the Right Choice?

Sometimes wireless systems make sense, but sometimes, they don't. A wireless intercom system may be tampered with as it works a bit like a network of walkie-talkies. In addition, this type of system may be susceptible to eavesdropping and struggle from unreliable power.

A wireless intercom system can also have a limited range. It may be rather short range, which means it may not work for all buildings.

Why a Wired Intercom System May be a Great Choice?

A hardwired intercom system offers an intercom without nearly as many vulnerabilities as a wireless system. It cannot be tampered with in the same way and it won't have power issues, either. It's also a harder type of system to eavesdrop on, which makes it a bit more secure.

Making the Right Choice

While there are security concerns with a wireless system, you also don't have to worry about running wires all over your house or building to install this type of system. In addition, a wireless system makes it possible to move the units around, when necessary. It's also easy to add additional units.

Adding a wired unit when building a new building isn't as difficult as it is with an already existing building. However, it can still be done with the right intercom installation professionals to help you.

Should You Add Video?

A video intercom system can be even more secure as you can see the person paging. If your system will be used for entry into your property or home, it may be a good idea to have a video intercom system. With the right system, you'll be able to see the person trying to get in instead of just hearing their voice.

The security of your home or your building matters. Adding the right intercom system will help to upgrade your overall security. Just make sure you choose the right professionals to install your intercom system.

Having a good intercom system is vital to some types of properties. For others, it's a nice convenience and can make life easier. However, intercom systems can often need repairs due to specific issues. There are some issues that are more common than others. Let's look at three of the most common repair issues found in intercom systems.

Static

It's not uncommon for an intercom system to end up with static from the microphone or the speaker. Static can be caused by many different parts of the audio equipment. Regular wear can cause static due to a bad connection. This could also cause the intercom to simply not create any sound. Usually, static is noticed before the intercom completely stops creating sound.

Any type of damage to your intercom system can cause static within the system. It could be caused due to a loose wire or a bad switch. Another common cause of static is interference. Even on a closed system, an intercom can experience static from interference.

The power connection can also be a source of static. Any problem with the power connection may cause static throughout the system. This could be a sight of a larger issue, too. Sometimes, a power overload or a shorting may cause static and if it's not repaired, it can cause major damage to the system. If you've noticed static within your intercom system, it's time to hire an intercom repair professional.

A Humming Noise

Another common issue with an intercom system is a humming noise heard when trying to use the system. This could be a sign of something worse and needs to be addressed immediately. It could be due to a faulty wire or connection and repair is necessary to keep the issue from getting worse.

While a humming sound may be annoying, some will just live with it and think very little of it. However, it could be a sign of something worse. When left unaddressed the issue may get worse and you may end up with an intercom system that doesn't work anymore.

Power Supply Failures

As stated above, static within your intercom system may be a sign of a larger problem. One of those larger issues is a power supply failure. When the power supply starts to go, it could cause other issues, such as static or even humming within the system.

Of course, if the power supply stops working, the intercom system will also stop working. Most intercom systems will show signs of the power supply going before it actually goes, however. Hearing more background noise may be another sign the power supply is starting to go.

The best way to address any intercom issue is to contact a professional intercom repair company. You want to choose a company with plenty of experience with your type of intercom system. Every system is a bit different and a huge part of fixing the issue is the proper diagnosis. The right repair company will be able to diagnose the problem and get it fixed quickly.

Having a home security system installed offers a greater level of protection for your family and your home. Did you know it also helps you save on your home insurance rates every year?

Since a home burglary happens about every 18 seconds in the United States, according to Zacks, and the average property loss is $2,251 per incident, insurance companies offer discounts when you install a home security system to prevent this from happening.

How Much Can You Save?

The amount you will save on your home insurance depends on the type of alarm you have installed. The savings can be as much as 20%, which can really add up over time. The best way to ensure you get the highest discount is to make sure you have a home security system with central monitoring.

Multiple Savings With Multiple Protections

A home security system is just one piece of the puzzle. Just by adding this level of protection to your home, your homeowner’s insurance company will likely extend a discount. If you have the security system hooked up to central monitoring, that discount will likely go up.

In addition, when you add fire protection through monitored smoke alarms, you'll likely gain an even larger discount. This type of home security system will now protect you from fire, which could destroy your home rather quickly. Add in a sprinkler system and you'll get an even larger discount on your home insurance.

Another level of protection you can add, which may help to boost your discount is protection from carbon monoxide. With a CO detector installed and monitored as a part of your home security system, you'll have even more protection, which means your insurance company will likely extend a larger discount.

Finally, you can add in additional protections from busted pipes and other types of flooding for an even larger discount. All of these home protections can be monitored to ensure your home is as safe as possible, which keeps the insurance company very happy.

Less Risk of Cost Hikes Later

When you add a home security system you'll lower the risk of your insurance going up over time, as well. This can be a benefit that keeps paying you back every year as you could keep your insurance rates from going up.

Lower Theft Claim Quota

Another way a security system can help to lower your insurance rates is by lowering the theft claim quota. If you and your neighbors get home security systems, the total theft quota for your area may drop, which helps to save everybody money on their home insurance in the area.

There are many great reasons to have a home security system installed with full fire, carbon monoxide, and other protections. Getting a lower rate for home insurance is just one of the many reasons. However, it can help to pay for the system costs over time as your rates will become lower and you'll be less likely to see your homeowner's insurance rates go up as much over time.